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Your Voice Speaks Volumes:
an Interview with Renee Grant-Williams
From

When you hear your own voice on a tape recording, how do you react? With a knowing smile or a painful wince? Many of us are startled to discover that the warm, pleasant voice we thought we were projecting actually sounds more like a high-pitched screech. How we speak has a powerful impact on how we are perceived by others -- at home, at school or in the business world -- but most of us don't do much to improve our voices.

One new author hopes to remedy that situation with a book that offers valuable advice on how to use your voice as a forceful instrument, whether you're making a speech, making a sale or leaving a voice mail message for an important client. Renee Grant-Williams is a successful vocal coach in Nashville, with clients ranging from singers like Faith Hill to politicians, attorneys and businesspeople. In Voice Power: Using Your Voice to Captivate, Persuade, and Command Attention she offers fun, easy-to-follow advice for sounding your best -- from basic breathing techniques to tips on posture, tone and the rhythm and variety of good speech. BookPage recently asked Grant-Williams to sound off on how more of us can acquire "voice power."

Don't some people have voices that are naturally more pleasing to the ear?

Yes, a voice that is warm, rich and full will always get a better response than one that is shrill, grating or barely audible. And remember, nobody likes a whiner.

How much can we change the way our voices sound?

We can easily improve the tone quality and projection of our voice by using the same techniques a great singer would use. And a few more tricks borrowed from singers can punch up the impact and memorability of our words.

What are the "ideal" qualities for a businessperson's voice?

A successful businessperson must be in control at all times, using a voice that commands respect and projects authority, but one with enough warmth and steadiness to defuse a difficult situation, calm the emotions of others and convey dissatisfaction without reflecting anger. It's also important to use the same tone of respect when you talk to subordinates as you would to your superiors in the workplace.

Why is silence sometimes a powerful vocal tool?

We tend to fall into a rhythmic cadence when we speak, thus our listeners go on a kind of autopilot and only half-listen. But, silence -- it's like waiting for the other shoe to drop. It has the power to seduce the listener's ear, draw them in and really make them listen. Besides, who gets more respect? The strong, silent type or the chatty type?

What is a whine and why is it so annoying?

Whining tends to follow a fixed pattern of notes, a dissonant slide in pitch between two notes. What makes whining so annoying (in addition to the nasal quality) is that its dissonant arrangement of notes never resolves in harmony. And the longer the pattern continues, the more desperate we become to escape. Like the shower scene music in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, it really puts us on edge.

What is the best tone of voice to use when giving a formal speech before an audience?

Don't use a tone of voice that alienates your audience by talking at them. Instead, talk with them. Conversational speaking brings the human touch to a presentation. Always speak as if you were talking intimately into the ear of one person. Personalize your delivery by focusing on one person at a time, then speak directly to that individual as if to a close friend.

Is it a good idea to gesture when you're talking?

Make sure that any gesture is well thought out and actually serves to highlight something important you're saying. Mindless, repetitive gestures, reflecting that you don't know what to do with those things down there at the end of you arms, are not an asset.

Is a regional accent -- say, a Southern drawl or Brooklynese -- a plus or a minus in business?

While it could be looked upon as a liability when it is grating or harsh, sometimes a regional accent can be a great asset -- one that distinguishes you from the rest of the pack and creates a memorable impression.

Why was Elvis the king of voice power?

I think those classic heart-stopping, hip-shaking gyrations weren't just sexy -- they made him a better singer. Elvis used strong legs as his power base, keeping a wide stance and pushing into the floor, while his upper body stayed loose and resonant. Rounding his head over the microphone helped his voice vibrate and ring. I'm certain even the curl of his lip and the intense smoldering look were somehow involved. Say what you will about his lifestyle, the man kept his voice till the end. He must have been doing something right.

Voice Power: Using Your Voice to Captivate, Persuade, and Command Attention

Further Reading:

• Dan Tripps
• Christopher Locke
• Anita Diamant
• George Vaillant

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